Caribbean

Overview: More Than Just Paradise

The Caribbean is a vibrant archipelago of over 7,000 islands, cays, and islets organized into a complex tapestry of sovereign states and territories. In 2026, the region has transcended its “vacation spot” label to become a global testbed for climate resilience and the Blue Economy. Stretching from the tip of Florida to the northern coast of South America, it serves as the gateway between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.

[Image: An aerial view of the Greater and Lesser Antilles, showing the contrast between the deep blue Atlantic and the turquoise Caribbean Sea]

Geographical Importance & Sub-Regions

The Caribbean’s geography is defined by the Caribbean Plate, making it a geologically active zone of mountains, volcanoes, and deep marine trenches.

• The Greater Antilles: Home to the largest islands, including Cuba (the region’s largest landmass), Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and Hispaniola (shared by Haiti and the Dominican Republic). This area represents 90% of the Caribbean’s total land.

• The Lesser Antilles: A long volcanic arc featuring smaller nations like St. Lucia, Grenada, and Barbados.

• The Lucayan Archipelago: Comprising The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos, known for their low-lying limestone formations and coral reefs.

• Climate Sentinel: The region is a primary corridor for Atlantic hurricanes, making its geographical data vital for global meteorological modeling.